Studies show participating in before/after school programs helps academic achievement, school attendance and positive behaviors. The best programs offer thoughtful combinations of services that best suit the particular needs of the community they serve. That’s what Hands 4 Hope LA does!

Our FREE summer camp provides educational, recreational, and field trip activities! Students work on engaging, fun, academic activities (math, science, art and reading) led by staff and our teen counselors in training. They also play sports and enjoy field trips while reconnecting with old friends, as well as making new ones.

The summer camp is 7 weeks. Each week focuses on a different academic subject including: language arts, math, science, history, technology, and careers, with project-based activities designed around that subject. For example, our Science Week includes hands-on chemistry experiments, cooking, reading stories about scientific discoveries, creating science-based art (volcanos, cellular structures with marshmallows and toothpicks), and math problems related to the periodic table. During the summer, students often need additional academic support to maintain grade-level proficiency in all subjects. Our camp is designed to provide that personalized instruction within a fun, creative and positive environment.

Weekly field trips aim to highlight subject matter and provide a fun and memorable experience for our youth. This summer we hope to attend the California Science Center, Sky Zone, MB2, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. After learning about how roller coasters work, gravity and the science of springs, and angles of reflection our kids will be able to ride a coaster, jump in a trampoline park, and mini golf with precision.

Students ages 8-13 thrive in this setting, with our teenagers (14-18) gaining valuable leadership and work experience as Counselors-In-Training (CITs). Our teen program provides community service hours as well as college and career workshops (resume preparation, internship application assistance, mock interviews, and career panels with local corporate partners).

Our summer camp is completely free to parents and we need sponsors to help us bring our students these memorable experiences.